6/18/2010
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Spitfire Communications
Attune Workplace will spread the message about safe workplace hearing practices and ways to tackle workplace noise hazards on Stand 6004 during the 2010 Queensland Mining and Engineering (QME) exhibition at the Mackay Showground from July 27-29.
About 37% of all adult hearing loss is attributed to noise exposure with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) creating major problems for employers and employees.
“Yet while noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and costly, it is also preventable,” Attune’s audiologist and clinical director, Jenny Stevens, said.
The risks of NIHL for employers include compensation costs, increased employee turnover, absenteeism, increased rates of accident and injury, decreased levels of safety and the cost of re-education, training and support for employees.
“Estimated productivity loss, related directly to hearing impairment, is believed to account for well over half of the $6.7 billion cost of productivity loss each year,” Stevens said.
For employees, noise exposure causes long-term, chronic and irreversible problems.
“Acoustic shock and trauma, tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears), recruitment (perceiving sounds as getting too loud, too quickly) and hyperacusis (super-sensitivity to normal sounds) are very common effects of NIHL,” Stevens said.
“But the most significant effect is a person’s reduced capacity to communicate as a result of hearing loss. Careers, employability and relationships all suffer,” she said.
In workplaces where noise is a hazard, employers have legal responsibilities to ensure employees are protected from excessive noise.
At QME, Attune will demonstrate ways in which businesses can eliminate noise risk.
Attune will also outline the hearing assessments, treatment programs and specialist medical services it offers.
Further information: Attune Workplace: (07) 3837 0415, email ktyler-pascoe@attune.com.au, website www.attuneworkplace.com.au. Media: Lauren Swann 0404 073 719.
Exhibitors & Visitors: Reed Exhibitions, Soren Norgaard, ph (02) 9422 2563, email soren.norgaard@reedexhibitions.com.au, website www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au.
Media: Spitfire Communications, Mark Cherrington, ph 0419 236 704, email mark.cherrington@spitfirecommunications.com.au.
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